Friday, May 31, 2013

The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make
environmental sustainability a top political priority in New York, today
called on all New York City mayoral candidates to support the
comprehensive approach to solid waste as embraced in the current Solid
Waste Management Plan.

Passed in 2006 with strong support from New Yorkers, city leaders and
environmental organizations, the Solid Waste Management Plan
revolutionized the way New York handles its garbage. Prior to the plan’s
implementation, the overwhelming majority of the city’s garbage was
trucked into low-income and minority neighborhoods outside of Manhattan.
For decades, those communities faced disproportionate environmental
burdens including noise, reduced air quality and odors.

The Solid Waste Management Plan addressed this environmental
injustice by requiring each borough to handle its own share of waste.
The plan also helped clean the air and reduce quality-of-life complaints
by establishing a system of marine transfer stations to reduce truck
traffic and transport waste more efficiently. The locations of the
marine transfer stations were carefully selected after exhaustive
studies and community input.

“The strength of the Solid Waste Management Plan is its comprehensive
nature. If one marine transfer station in Manhattan is eliminated, the
burden simply shifts back to other stations and other boroughs –
undermining the success of the entire effort,” said NYLCV President
Marcia Bystryn. “Environmental and environmental justice organizations
fought for the current Solid Waste Management Plan for many years. New
York must not go back to the polluting and unfair ways of the past.”

____________________________________________________________

The New York League of Conservation Voters
(NYLCV) was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy-making and
political action organization that works to make environmental
protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and
voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing
environmental leaders to office in New York State.

Assemblyman
Marcos Crespo, Senator Ruben Diaz and immigrant advocates concerned
that with federal immigration reform on the horizon immigrants will be
victims of mass fraud without immediate State action

Immigrant advocates and policymakers today called for tougher measures
to discourage rampant immigrant assistance service fraud. Federal
immigration reform proposals are moving quickly in Washington DC and
both the US Senate and House of Representatives are scheduled to pass
the legislation in June and August respectively. “Passage of
immigration reform will open flood gates of immigrants seeking
assistance with federal requirements and fraudulent immigration services
providers are already lining up to strike thousands of victims,” stated
Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Task Force on New Americans.
In the spring of 2011 a sweep by federal and New York City law
enforcement agencies found over 220 immigration service providers
operating outside the limits of the law and issued over $288,000 in
fines. Surveys on this type of fraud in other major US cities have
found that over 40% of immigration assistance services operations are
fraudulent.

According
to Crespo, “Immigration assistance services fraud is a serious problem
facing the more than two million New Yorkers who are non-citizens,
including some 800,000 who are considered undocumented immigrants. Many
immigrants looking for assistance with federal immigration matters have
been defrauded and have lost their lifes savings trying to navigate our
immigration system.”

Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr.
stated, “I am proud to be the Senate Sponsor of this important bill and
I thank my co-sponsors Senators Parker and Sampson for having the
courage to put their names on this legislation. The Federal Government
has taken long-awaited steps to improve the lives of millions of
undocumented immigrants. The time has come for New York State to do
everything in its power to protect these immigrants who live all
throughout our great State, from the eastern shores of Long Island to
Niagara Falls and everyplace in between. Now that the Assembly has
passed this bill unanimously for the second time, I am calling on the
Senate leadership to bring this bill to the Senate floor for a vote
before the legislative session ends.”

“With
federal immigration reform on the horizon and a rush of huge number of
immigrants seeking to qualify for the new Registered Provisional
Immigrant (RPI) status, it is anticipated that mass scale immigration
services fraud will be committed. Tougher measures at the State level to
discourage and punish immigration services fraud are needed and should
be in place prior to the enactment of federal immigration reform,”
declared Crespo.

The legislation (A.158/S.786)
which passed the Assembly on May 29, 2013 via a unanimous vote
increases fines, requires qualifying criteria to be able to be an
immigration assistance service provider and requires such providers to
be registered with the New York State Department of State and requires
that they prominently display their State certification.

"Comprehensive
Immigration Reform is a very real possibility, and immigrant New
Yorkers will be seeking assistance to determine their best options,"
said Wayne Ho, Executive Director of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families.
"Immigrant New Yorkers deserve reliable, credible immigration
assistance services. Service providers should not take advantage of
immigrants who will be making important decisions that impact the
well-being of not only themselves but also their children and families.
Immigration services fraud should not be tolerated, especially in New
York."

“Immigrants
living in New York City who could applying to legalize their
immigration status need more than ever a law that guarantees a qualified
assistance to fulfill a complex immigration application process.
Therefore LULAC Queens Council 23047 supports the bill proposed made by
Assemblyman Crespo concerning: "Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement
Act." The bill propose increases fines imposed upon those who violate
laws regarding immigrant assistance services; requires certain immigrant
assistance service providers to be registered with the Department of
State. I invites our Latino community to support it to prevent
deceptive actions of people and organizations who are not following the
laws, rules and procedures, causing serious consequences for the
applicants,” stated Sylvia Mata, President of the Queens Chapter for League of United Latin American Citizens.

"The
NYIC commends Assemblyman Crespo and the New York Legislature for
addressing the need for consumer protections against the unauthorized
practice of immigration law and the provision of incompetent or
unscrupulous legal services. It enhances penalties for fraudulent
services; establishes a registration system for immigration legal
providers and requires that they meet clear criteria for registration
and renewal of registration; and imposes penalties for providers who
fail to register,” stated Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coaliton. “Two
key elements remain to be addressed: a robust public education campaign
funded by the state to increase consumer awareness so that immigrant
communities know how to protect themselves against unscrupulous
providers; and a clear mechanism for reporting incidents of unscrupulous
and incompetent practices to ensure both enforcement and restitution,
as appropriate. We look forward to working with Assemblyman Crespo and
the New York Legislature to make this bill as effective as possible.”

According to Alfred Placeres, Esq., Legal Director for Casa Puebla,
"This bill will help to expose those unscrupulous immigrant service
providers who continue to plague our community. Protecting our New
Americans from getting ripped off as they travel down the path to
citizenship is something we can all support.

“Last
year, my organization published a report that relied on community led
research where we documented that Immigration Service Providers are
routinely violating the law and engaging substandard, predatory and
fraudulent practices.” says Valeria Treves, Executive Director of New Immigrant Community Empowerment,
“In clear contravention of the law, none the ISPs visited by the our
‘mystery shoppers’ had a required “not an attorney” sign posted, up to a
quarter of them advertised that they provide legal advice; and a
quarter of them falsely identified themselves as an immigration attorney
office. Furthermore, 23% of mystery shoppers received legal advice on
the spot and one in three ISPs visited by the mystery shoppers
guaranteed success in their applications for immigration benefits, which
also forbidden by law. The consequences of an immigration services scam
can range from the loss of money (sometimes thousands of dollars), to
immigration consequences (including deportation) to social and emotional
trauma.”

Thursday, May 30, 2013

John
Liu has been an ally in our union’s campaign against wasteful
contracting out and a good friend to New Yorkers we serve in communities
citywide.

On May 28, the 300-member Delegate
Assembly of District Council 37, New York City’s largest public employee
union representing 121,000 active members and its Retirees Association,
representing 50,000 members, voted unanimously to officially endorse
New York City Comptroller John Liu for Mayor. The union’s endorsement
was announced at a news conference on the steps of City Hall on May 29.

DC
37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts said, “DC 37 members and all New
Yorkers face a critical mayoral election this November, which could
bring a truly great mayor who will end the current favoritism toward the
wealthy 1% and restore government ‘for the people’— the poor and
working-class people of New York City. A mayor who makes New York City’s
neglected communities and the public workers that serve them a
priority. With last night’s vote by our Delegates, DC 37 officially
endorsed New York City Comptroller John Liu as the candidate best
qualified to be that mayor.”

DC
37’s endorsement came after a process of careful deliberation and
evaluation of mayoral candidates seeking its support, which included an
evaluation and recommendation by the DC 37 Screening Committee and the
Delegates. Earlier DC 37 also held a Mayoral Forum on May 16,
co-sponsored by 15 labor/community partners, where candidates seeking
the union’s endorsement had an opportunity to speak and answer questions
on issues of importance to DC 37 and its labor/community partners
before an audience of hundreds of members.

“We
evaluated Comptroller Liu’s answers to tough questions — both at our
Mayoral Forum and from the DC 37 Screening Committee — regarding issues
of importance to District Council 37 and the communities our union
members serve,” said Roberts. “We also looked at his consistent track
record of actions to curtail contracting out, overspending and waste of
taxpayer dollars throughout his tenure as Comptroller. DC 37 members
have been able to count on John Liu’s support during our fight to
protect vital services and our jobs.

"With
DC 37’s endorsement of Comptroller Liu,” Roberts continued, “comes a
pledge to work diligently on his behalf with our powerful, sophisticated
field operations to get out the vote. This union has a proven record of
successfully supporting our endorsed candidates. We look forward to
putting DC 37’s mighty army of volunteers into the field to help elect
New York City Comptroller John Liu as New York City’s next mayor — a
mayor who truly believes in government for the people.”

District Council 37 is New York City’s largest public employee union, with 121,000 members and 50,000 retirees.

Please note the art workshop on Sunday.
Many of our workshops are multi-session series, so the Creative Action
offerings are especially attractive if you are looking for that one
topic or one day you feel like devoting to explore your creative side.
But I recommend registering now since this small class will fill
quickly.

FRI, JUNE 14 YOGA TOGETHER

Child
and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength,
increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class
taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss.
Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are
weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM
on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member
$23.. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional
child. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, JUNE 15 FAMILY ART PROJECT—T’S FOR DAD AND ME

T’s for Dad and Me/Franelas pará Papa y yo

Think
of an animal to represent you and one to represent Dad, and draw them
together as a tribute to the two of you. With fabric markers and special
crayons, decorate a summer T-shirt with your animal pair. Use a T-shirt
we provide or bring your own. Free, and admission to the grounds is
free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JUNE 15 TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet
like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle
movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class,
Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School,
will introduce students to the internal martial arts and promote an
awareness of their health benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and
are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JUNE 15 WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover
the fascinating history of the gardens, buildings and the people who
once called Wave Hill their home, with historian and Wave Hill Garden
Guide Deirdre LaPorte. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, JUNE 15 GALLERY TOUR

Join
a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn
to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to
convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project
Space, Lynn Koble’s multi-media, sculptural installation explores her
idea of classification systems as a point of intersection between people
and nature. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JUNE 16 FAMILY ART PROJECT—T’S FOR DAD AND ME

T’s for Dad and Me/Franelas pará Papa y yo

Think
of an animal to represent you and one to represent Dad, and draw them
together as a tribute to the two of you. With fabric markers and special
crayons, decorate a summer T-shirt with your animal pair. Use a T-shirt
we provide or bring your own. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JUNE 16 HATHA YOGA

Find
refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and
increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and
meditation. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and
Therapeutic Yoga by The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire,
England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. All levels welcome.
Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JUNE 16 STUDIO SUNDAYS: INVASIVE PIGMENTS

Reconsidering Weeds through Watercolor

Engage
in a creative dialogue with your surroundings guided by professional
artists working in various media. Try something new―all skill levels
welcome! In this session, investigate invasive or “undesirable” plants
growing in and around Wave Hill with Drawn to Nature exhibition artist
Ellie Irons. Turn each plant into pigment using a method derived from
the production of watercolor paints, then experiment with the new
pigments while painting forms drawn from the landscape. Take home a
sample of pigment. $20 Member/$30 Non-member each session. Space is
limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins accommodated as space permits.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SUN, JUNE 16 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, JUNE 17

Closed to the public.

MON, JUNE 17 MEMBERS’ DAY TRIP: THE GARDENS OF NEW JERSEY

Spend
the day exploring two very different gardens set in the rolling hills
of New Jersey horse country with Assistant Director of Public Programs
Laurel Rimmer and Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day. At the Leonard
J. Buck Garden in Far Hills, wander the woodland trails where ferns,
wildflowers, bulbs

and
rare alpine plants enhance the stream valley and natural outcroppings.
Just a few miles away in Pottersville, visit the inspirational garden of
Andrea Filippone and William Welch, described in Elle Décor magazine as
“a lush and romantic haven richly layered with artifacts and artistry.”
$50 Member, includes admission, tour fees and transportation; lunch
additional. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited.

MEET AT WAVE HILL FRONT GATE, 9AM–5PM

TUE, JUNE 18 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

FRI, JUNE 21 YOGA TOGETHER

Child
and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength,
increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class
taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss.
Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are
weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM
on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23.
Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child.
Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

A
28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River
and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and
legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views,
and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs
in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.

ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon Tuesdays in June. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

DIRECTIONS
– Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan,
Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate
and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd
Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available
for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with
continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot
and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Last night the Ben Franklin Democratic Club held an endorsement meeting for the two positions of Civil Court Judge in the Bronx, the position of Public Advocate, and for Mayor. Club President Ellen Feld opened the meeting by saying that there was national news coverage of the BFDC Mayoral Forum that was held last week. She added that Sunday at the BFDC headquarters (4-6 PM) will be the kick off for the Cohen for Council campaign with several BFDC already endorsed candidates such as BP Diaz, Comptroller candidate Stringer, and others to be in attendance.

81st A.D. Male District Leader Bruce Feld announced that petitioning begins on June 4th, and that the club will have its own petitions available the day before for members to pick up.

President Ellen Feld said tonight's meeting was for endorsement of 2 judges, Public Advocate, and Mayor should the club choose to endorse which included the option of no endorsement also for any of the positions. First up was current Acting Supreme Court Justice Larry Schachner running for Civil Court Judge. Second was Acting Supreme Court Justice Julia Rodriguez also running for Civil Court Judge in another capacity. Both Judges had been endorsed before by the club, and were overwhelmingly endorsed again this time.

Next came the position of Public Advocate, where there seemed to be a split in the club. President Feld said that there were four candidates running, and that there was also the choice of no endorsement calling for a vote to endorse or not. Councilman G. Oliver Koppell stood up to ask that "the club vote not to endorse for the position of Public Advocate, but also vote to not endorse for Mayor tonight". Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said that he disagreed with Koppell on not endorsing. He suggested that the club vote for Public Advocate even though the club may not vote to endorse for Mayor. He added "There are seven candidates now for mayor and only four for Public Advocate".

Discussion continued on the subject with one member asking that the candidates appear again which can not be done said President Feld who added that the club has already heard from the candidates. State Committeewoman Helen Morik said that she agrees with Councilman Koppell's position of no endorsement for both Public Advocate & Mayor. Former State Committeewoman Marcia Alina stated that if there is no endorsement the club would look like it is not being a part of the races. A voice vote was taken to decide to endorse for the position of Public Advocate or not was to close so that a show of hands had to be taken. The vote was to endorse for Public Advocate where as several members of the club spoke on behalf of the candidates running. this vote was taken by written ballot that was announced later after all the votes were counted.

It was time to endorse or not for the mayors race. Club parliamentarian Bruce Feld explained from the section in the clubs by-laws that stated that a candidate must win with more than 50 percent of the vote cast. Then the top two candidates and the option of no endorsement is voted on, and then the top candidate and no endorsement which will provide the answer. He said that this happened four years ago when the club voted and endorsed for mayor and not for Public Advocate. A question of the club having a quorum was answered with "Yes there is a quorum present" by President Feld.

Club member Mike Heller suggested that the club not endorse for mayor now as until the numbers change as it is to close right now. Club Vice-President Paul Ellis agreed on waiting, especially since the entry of Anthony Weiner into the mayors race. Member David Kornblau said that in 3-4 weeks the bloodletting would be done, and then the club could endorse a candidate. By a voice vote of over 2 - 1 the BFDC voted not to endorse any candidate for mayor, but the executive committee could bring the endorsement vote back on the agenda at the next meeting.

The results of the vote to endorse for Public Advocate was won by current State Senator Dan Squadron with 34 out of 53 votes cast. It was also mentioned that the petitions of all mayoral candidates would be at the BFDC if the candidates would leave them for club members.

Left - Councilman G. Oliver Koppell asking the BFDC not to endorse for Public Advocate or Mayor.
Right - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz disagrees with Councilman Koppell saying that the club should endorse for Public Advocate even if it chooses not to endorse for mayor.

Left - Club member Mike Heller says that the margin is so close in the mayors race that he suggests that the club not endorse any candidate right now.
Right - Club Vice-President Paul Ellis agrees on not endorsing for mayor especially with the entrance of Anthony Weiner in the mayors race.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

MY HUMBLE SUGGESTION FOR GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO

You should know that while the worst of another Great Depression seems to be over in New York State and our Governor is claiming to have balanced the budget on time for three consecutive years, nonetheless, New York continues to face difficult times and ways of finding revenue to fill its commitments.

To balance the Budget, drastic spending cuts have been made in many government agencies such as the New York State Office for the Aging, The Department of Health and State & City Universities. The workforce and education of the children continue to suffer, and many non-profit community organizations have either closed their doors or suffered unsustainable cuts.

You should also know that during my ten years of service in the New York State Senate, I have and continue to present, advice and introduce pieces of legislation to help New York State find additional resources without having to hurt the poor and needy.

The problem with my solutions and recommendations is that they will protect the poor and hurt the pocket of the wealthy and powerful, and for some people in power; it is much easier to hit the poor and not the wealthy.

You should know that this is not the first time that I have written about this, but because the Legislative Session is about to end and no one seems to care, I just want to remind you, my dear reader, of my commitment and struggle to find solutions and alleviate the burden that every year is put on the shoulders of the poor and needy of our State.

You should know that there are three pieces of legislation that I have introduced in the Senate, some of which are being introduced in the Assembly by Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Jeff Dinowitz and Brian Kavanagh.

My “Dead Peasants” or “Janitors” Insurance Senate Bill 5388 and Assembly Bill 3896 introduced by Assemblyman Crespo, deals with abuse or injustices committed by some powerful companies toward their employees and their families.

Despite the current bleak economic picture, corporations are reaping huge financial benefits from life insurance policies they take out on their employees and/or retirees. Corporate-owned life insurance, better known as “Dead Peasants” or “Janitors” insurance, is a life insurance policy that is taken out on low-level employees, often without the knowledge or consent of the employee, and whose families are not named as beneficiaries when the employee or retiree dies.

When the employee or retiree dies, these tax free benefits are collected by the employer. Furthermore, it is believed that companies are frequently using these policies to pay for retirement benefits and other perks for their top executives. Companies that supposedly engage in the practice of purchasing these policies include Wal-Mart, Dow Chemical, Proctor & Gamble and Walt Disney.

One tragic example of this practice is that of a 48 year-old assistant manager at Wal-Mart who died of a massive heart attack. The man’s widow became the lead plaintiff in a class action suit after she learned that Wal-Mart collected $300,000 from a life insurance policy it owned on him.

My bill would impose a 50% tax on all benefits received by companies in New York State who take out life insurance policies on their employees or retirees.

Secondly, you should know that my Senate Bill S5150, introduced in the Assembly as A4066 by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and A157 by Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh, deal with taxes collected when purchases are made with a credit card.

A major source of failure to comply with the New York State sales taxes being remitted to the State from credit card companies who collect such taxes from their customers and instead of sending those taxes to New York State Commissioner of Taxation, the credit card companies send the taxes back to the merchant where the purchase was made.

The current system relies solely on the thousands of vendors to voluntarily remit such sales taxes to the state. It is believed that the state loses more than $800 million dollars every year on these taxes.

My legislation will force the companies to send those taxes directly to the state and not back to the vendors.

New York State cannot possibly audit every vendor and the vendors know this. However, the processors which are paid by the vendors to deal with the issuers of credit and debit cards, and who actually get the monies from the credit card issuers, are far less numerous. They know the true sales and actually get money from the credit card companies which include the sales taxes. It is more efficient to have these processors remit the sales taxes directly to New York State instead of sending the taxes back to the vendors and then relying upon the vendors to timely and accurately submit the sales taxes.

Finally, another piece of legislation that I have introduced in the Senate is S1386 which Assemblymen Marcos Crespo and Jeff Dinowitz are carrying in the Assembly as bill A4003 and bill A308.

You should know that some of the biggest money-making industries in the nation are pharmaceutical companies. The same prescription drugs that we purchase in the state of New York at sky-high prices are sold in Canada at minimum cost. Buying prescription drugs from Canada will save the state close to $1 billion dollars annually.

My legislation is based on a program that has operated successfully in Schenectady County since 2005. Since then, the County has realized savings of over $17 million dollars. Additionally, County prescription drug costs have increased less than 8.9% since the program’s inception. This figure
compares favorably with the average of U.S prescriptions drug programs which have seen prices escalate by more than 12% each year, or 76.2% over five years. Over 90% of Schenectady County’s employees represented by two unions, CSEA and 1199, now participate in the program.

Since prescription drug costs are among New York State’s highest expenditures, one way the State can accomplish this goal is by creating the New York State Prescription Medication Cost Containment Program, which would be voluntary, for participants in the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program (EPIC) and for New York State civil service employees and retirees.

My advice to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is that the State must be more creative in its approach to raising revenue and controlling expenses, without relying on the usual methods of raising taxes and cutting - or in some cases eliminating programs that hurt the poor and needy and balance the Budget on their backs.

Governor Cuomo should take a really good look at my three pieces of legislation. If he feels that they are good for the State, he doesn’t even have to give me credit for them - he can take them and make them his top priority and push for them as he has done for same sex marriage, abortions, marijuana and election reform.

Each year 6,400 New Yorkers die due
to a stroke, while thousands more who survive are left with serious
long-term disabilities. While stokes are sudden and tragic events, the
good news is there are preventable steps everyone can take to reduce
their risk. These simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference,
possibly saving the life of loved one or your own. They include: eating
healthier, losing weight, daily exercise, quitting smoking, and gaining
control of your cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar intake. Now New
Yorkers can get expert, personalized information on their risk for
stroke, along with advice on taking those positive steps – absolutely
free.

On Wednesday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to noon,
Jacobi Medical Center (Jacobi) will host a Stroke Health Fair. The
event will take place at the Rotunda, adjacent to Building 4, on the
Jacobi Medical Center campus at 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, New
York, 10461. Experts on hand to provide:

 Stroke Risk Assessments

 Blood Pressure Screenings

 Weight and Body Mass Index C

 Nutritional Counseling

 Guidance on Exercise

 Information on Jacobi’s Smoking Cessation Program

What’s more, after 12 p.m.,
fair participants can enjoy a musical performance by Slavic Soul Party
and Falu. The concert is a part of the ongoing partnership between
Jacobi and Carnegie Hall.

When
a person has a stroke, every second counts. It is critical when getting
a patient to a Stroke Center to receive expert care. Jacobi is a New
York State Designated Primary Stroke Center, where highly trained staff
provide the latest in treatment for stroke

.

For further information, please contact the Public Affairs Department at (718) 918-3827.

About Jacobi Medical Center

Jacobi
Medical Center is part of HHC’s North Bronx Healthcare Network, which
includes North Central Bronx Hospital. Jacobi is a 457-bed teaching
hospital affiliated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The
facility offers numerous Centers of Excellence including its renowned
trauma center, multi-person hyperbaric unit, burn center, surgical
intensive care unit, stroke center, regional perinatal center, breast
health center and bariatric service. Jacobi’s new Ambulatory Care
Pavilion is a stunning complement to its recently constructed inpatient
facility and allows staff to provide outpatients with high-quality care
in a modern, state-of-the-art environment.

Senator Gustavo Rivera, the
ranking member of the Senate's Health Committee, urges Bronxites to
increase their asthma awareness as part of Asthma Awareness Month and
urges the passage of legislation that can help prevent or minimize the
harm caused by the disease.

"Asthma
is a serious, but treatable health issue that affects over 1.1 million
New Yorkers, including myself" said Senator Gustavo Rivera. "The lack of
awareness surrounding this disease - and people's inability to
recognize its causes and symptoms - leads thousands of New Yorkers to
suffer unnecessary complications every year. We must work to increase
awareness of the causes and effects of asthma and pass legislation that
will help reduce the complications that develop from the disease."

Asthma
causes approximately 301 deaths per year and 41,797 hospitalizations in
New York State. It is also the leading cause of missed school days for
children and workplace absences for adults.

Asthma is an even a greater problem in the outer boroughs. The Bronx has one of the highest rates of asthma in city. For
instance, nearly one-third (32.3 percent) of children who made
asthma-related emergency room visits in 2010 were from the Bronx.

Asthma
attacks can be caused by triggers such as cockroaches, mold, pet dander,
dust, pollen, air pollution and, in particular, tobacco smoke. A study by
the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention found that exposure to secondhand smoke was
associated with an increased risk of having three or more visits to a
doctor or emergency room due to wheezing in the past year.

"Tobacco smoke is one of the most common asthma triggers in our society," said Senator Gustavo Rivera. " While
we have implemented measure that have considerably reduced New Yorkers'
consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke in the past, it is not enough
to curb the great number of children and adults who suffer needlessly
from asthma related illness."

Legislation,
such as the bill introduced and passed by Senator Rivera that banned
smoking within 100 feet from all school entrances, can be effective in
minimizing the public's exposure to suffering from an asthma attack.
According to a study published in Circulation,
smoke-free laws quickly and dramatically have cut the number of people
hospitalized for heart attacks, strokes and respiratory diseases. The
study also found that hospitalization for respiratory disease, such as
asthma, fell 24 percent after the implementation of smoke-free
legislation.

"We
need to continue to find ways to discourage unhealthy behaviors and to
keep our youth from being exposed to harmful triggers," said Senator
Gustavo Rivera. "This is one of the reasons why I continue to make
reducing tobacco usage a legislative priority. It is also why I strongly
support any effort, such as raising the minimum age to buy tobacco,
that will reduce our youth's access to these products."

To
support asthma awareness, Senator Rivera is encouraging Bronxities to
attend the Asthma Resource Fair at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, 1650
Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY on Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Attendees will be able to interact with health educators about their
asthma and receive pertinent information about the disease's symptoms,
triggers and treatments. Attendees will also have the opportunity to
play asthma-related games and sign a pledge to control their asthma.

To
avoid unnecessary asthma related complications, the New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides the following
recommendations:

Encourage parents/caregivers to quit smoking.

Encourage parents/caregivers to talk with landlords about household problems that may trigger asthma episodes.

Get regular care and know when to seek emergency care for your child.

Take your child to the doctor for regular asthma check-ups, even when no asthma symptoms are present.

Identify asthma triggers in the home and try to reduce or eliminate them.

Tell
the school that your child has asthma and provide them with a completed
Medication Administration Form from your child's doctor.

Promptly repair leaks, cracks, holes and ventilation problems.

Contain food and garbage so they don't become food for pests.

Use only safe pest control methods when needed.

For information about the Nicotine Patch and Gum Program or for help on how to quit smoking, New York City residents can call 311 or visit the following sites:

Friday, May 24, 2013

Thursday night the Ben Franklin Democratic Club held a mayoral forum to hear from the Democratic candidates in advance of a planned endorsement vote to be taken on Tuesday May 28th. The club members may choose to endorse one of the now seven Democratic candidates running or may choose not to endorse any of them. In 2005 the Ben Franklin Club endorsed Anthony Weiner, while in 2009 they endorsed Bill Thompson. As for current endorsements in the Bronx, The Bronx County Democratic Organization has endorsed Bill Thompson as has Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. State Senator Gustavo Rivera has endorsed Christine Quinn, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has endorsed Bill DeBlasio, and Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has endorsed Erick Salgado.

BFDC President Ellen Feld opened the Forum by saying that it would not be a debate, but that each candidate would speak for 6 minutes, and then have 7 minutes to answer questions from the audience. She mentioned that the club has already endorsed Scott Stringer for City Controller, Ruben Diaz Jr. for Bronx BP, and Andrew Cohen in the 11th City Council race.

Current Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio was first up, and praised the BFDC for being a leader in the world of political clubs. De Blasio then sounded like Freddy Ferrer (when he ran mayor in 2005) by talking of a tale of two New York cities. He said that the outer boroughs have been forgotten by the current mayor, and continued to hammer Bloomberg on other items such as Living Wage, Paid Sick Leave, and Stop & Frisk. DeBlasio said that he wants to build 200,000 units of affordable housing and return City Hall to the Democrats. To a question on education DeBlasio called the mayor a dictator, and that he wants to tax the wealthy to pay for additional school programs. After DeBlasio finished current 11th district councilman G. Oliver Koppell was introduced and addressed the audience.

Former City Councilman Sal Albanese was next up saying that he is the only candidate not taking corporate money, he has 11 years experience as a teacher, poverty is the main issue why many children do not do well in school, he wants to have pediatric wellness centers, and create more jobs. Upon questioning Albanese said that education will be his top priority, as well as affordable housing, and senior programs.

Long shot candidate Rev. Erick Salgado was next up saying that he was born in the Bronx, but grew up in Puerto Rico. He said that he is the only Latino in the primary, and that 15 years ago he opened up the first of 3 churches in Bensonhurst. There was only one question about education where Salgado gave the standard answer of better local control of the schools. He added that he wants to rent out schools to non-profits when they are not being used. Anthony Weiner then came into the room to a throng of camera people following him.

Former City Comptroller Bill Thompson was next up. Thompson spoke of his experience as President of the Board of Education saying that more progress was made back in 1999 under Rudy Crew (an educator) was chancellor then a prosecutor (without naming Joel Klein). Thompson went on to slam the mayor and City Council (without mentioning council Speaker Quinn) for changing the term limit law in 2008. He closed by saying that he would be a mayor of all New York City. On a question of education and city worker contracts Thompson said under him there was a Chancellors District that reduced class size and added revenue to failing schools to turn them around. He added that of the 76 announced new schools created by the mayor that only 2 were really new, and the others were only failed schools that were closed. On the subject of city worker contracts Thompson said that he wants to open up the books to see where there is revenue, stop outsourcing jobs, and that to many contracts are expiring due to Mayor Bloomberg not wanting to negotiate with the unions. He closed by thanking the BFDC for their endorsement in 2009 when he came close to winning, and that in 2013 with the clubs help he can win.

Next up was former congressman Anthony Weiner. Weiner opened up about his grandparents who lived on Waldo Avenue. Weiner then went into how his parents settled in Queens, and that in 2005 the BFDC had endorsed him. He added that the city is now worse off then in 2005. Weiner said that he has ideas to make schools better, and how the city with its vast health related resources can improve health care of the people. Weiner then said that he was sorry for what he had done in the past, the city needs to elect a Democrat, and that he do it in 2013. On a question of mass transit cuts, Weiner said that areas such as Riverdale should have ferry service. In mentioning the high cost of the 2nd Avenue subway line, he said that there could have been ferry service every 5 minutes. He spoke about the lack of mass transit options to get to the airports, and said that he would like to see ferry service to LaGuardia Airport.

Next up was current City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Quinn said that she has been speaker of the council for over 7 years, and that she has prevented layoffs, kept fire houses open, and helped tenants. She said that she would like to see 40,000 new units of affordable housing be built, and is proud of the legislation that she has passed. Quinn said that New York can remain the safest city under her as mayor, but belives that there is to much Stop and Frisk currently. On a question of changing the term limit law, Quinn said that in 2008 Councilman Koppell (who had left by then) and thers had supported changing the law to give voters a choice. To a question of a Times article that she is overbearing, Quinn answered that she is tough, pushy, and fights every day for the city. Quinn then ended by saying that she is "One Pushy Broad".

Current City Comptroller John Liu was scheduled to be the last speaker. It was said that he was detained in traffic and could not make it in time to attend.

Left - Current Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio at the podium.

Right - Former councilman Sal Albanese at the podium as BFDC President Ellen Feld is seated.

Left - Long shot Candidate Rev. Erick Salgado at the podium.

Right - Former congressman Anthony Weiner waiting his turn to speak. On the right is 11th City Council candidate Cheryl Kelling standing, and what appears to be a Weiner supporter next to him.

Left - Anthony Weiner at the podium.

Right - Bill Thompson at the podium.

Left - Christene Quinn at the podium as BFDC President asks for a question from the audience.